Embedded Files
San Diego North County
February 11th, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
at California State University San Marcos
Building Bridges: Advancing Inclusive Practices for All Learners
Building Bridges: Advancing Inclusive Practices for All Learners
About the Conference
This regional gathering will bring together parents, educators, students, and community organizations to co-design real, inclusive solutions that ensure every child belongs and thrives.
Through inspiring keynotes, family-educator panels, student showcases, and hands-on Action Labs, we’ll explore what’s possible when we build bridges together. All sessions will be co-presented by parents and educators or field experts, modeling true partnership and shared leadership in action.
The conference will also culminate in the Synergy-SYNC Basketball Experience, featuring NBA Veteran and Disability Advocate Olden Polynice and other NBA veterans who will join families and students on the court to showcase inclusion in action — a powerful celebration of teamwork, ability, and community.
Led & Co-Designed by Families, Education Leaders, and Community Partners, for Community in Community
Led & Co-Designed by Families, Education Leaders, and Community Partners, for Community in Community
Conference Focus: Empower & Share
Conference Focus: Empower & Share
Empower Meaningful Collaboration between families, educators, and administrators through shared leadership and co-design.
Share Successful Inclusive Practices through co-presented sessions and hands-on Action Labs that model teamwork and trust.
Conference Highlights
Keynote: From Intention to Impact – Equity-Driven Leadership for Meaningful Inclusion
Dr. Niki Elliott, University of San Diego
Panel - Inclusion in Real Life: Authentic stories from families & educators
Facilitated by CSU San Marcos faculty and community partners
Breakouts: Co-design sessions on IEPs, UDL, equity & advocacy
Student Showcases: Choirs, cheer teams & art celebrating What Inclusion Means to Me
Networking Zones: Parent Café • Multilingual Family Connect Zone • Parent Advocacy Corner
Corporate Partner Sessions: Focus groups + rapid “speed-date” solution sessions (details below)
SYNC Inclusive Basketball Event (Feb 7): Inclusive, high-energy experience led by NBA veterans Olden Polynice (Disability Advocate), Jud Buechler, and Dominic McGuire, featuring unified drills and stations for students of all abilities (details below)
Who Should Attend?
Educators, families, administrators, SELPA leaders, students, advocates, policymakers, and community partners from North County and surrounding regions
Corporate Partner Sessions
Corporate Partner Sessions
Corporate Partner Sessions
Please note: These sessions begin earlier than the conference.
Session Times: 8:00–9:30 AM & 12:00–1:00 PM
District leaders, administrators, educators, and families are invited to participate in two dedicated Corporate Partner sessions designed to connect solution providers with the students and communities they serve—strengthening inclusive practices and cross-sector collaboration.
Corporate Partner Focus Group | 8:00–9:30 AM
Corporate Partner Focus Group | 8:00–9:30 AM
Provide direct feedback to solution providers committed to supporting students with disabilities and advancing inclusive learning environments.
Innovation “Speed-Date” Session | 12:15–1:30 PM
Innovation “Speed-Date” Session | 12:15–1:30 PM
Engage in a fast-paced series of conversations showcasing emerging tools, technologies, and resources designed to enhance inclusive education.
Participants in either session will receive a $250 scholarship to designate to any district, school site, nonprofit, or charity of their choice.
To sign up, click the registration link and select “Participation in Corporate Partner Sessions.” Indicate whether you will attend the Focus Group, the Innovation Speed-Date Session, or both.
Your voice and leadership make inclusion possible—we would be honored to have you participate.
SYNERGY–SYNC Inclusive Basketball Experience 2026
Featuring NBA Veterans Olden Polynice, Jud Buechler & Dominic McGuire
February 7, 2026 | North County, San Diego
The SYNERGY–SYNC Inclusive Basketball Experience is the official kickoff to the 2026 North County Special Education Conference hosted at CSUSM. Designed for students of all abilities in Grades 3-8 and 9-12, this two-day event brings the conference theme, “Building Bridges: Advancing Inclusive Practices for All Learners” - to life through inclusive athletics, leadership, and community connection.
Rather than simply talking about inclusion, this experience shows it in action, offering a real-world example of how students, families, educators, and community partners can come together to model belonging, teamwork, and shared leadership.
Hosted by Collective Impact Solutions (CIS), Vista Unified SEPTA (VUSEPTA), and the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF), and led by SYNC Youth & Community, Inc., the event represents the spirit and purpose of the conference in motion.
Event Date
Event Date
Saturday, February 7, 2026 - Inclusive Basketball Camp
Saturday, February 7, 2026 - Inclusive Basketball Camp
A full-day inclusive basketball and leadership experience, including skills clinics for Grades 3-8 and 9-12, buddy support for students with disabilities, sensory-friendly spaces, leadership activities, meet-and-greets with NBA veterans, and lunch from food pop-up vendors. This day serves as a practical demonstration of inclusive environments and community collaboration.
Registration & District Code Information
Registration & District Code Information
Registration Fee: $150 per participant
(Includes T-shirt, materials, inclusive supports, and full-day camp activities)
District Codes:
Enter your VUSD code when registering to receive the fee waiver.
Get the code from VUSD or your student’s school site.
Not in VUSD? Check with your district if they are sponsoring students.
Co-developed through a collaborative design process grounded in regional priorities, family voice, and inclusive goals. Program highlight themes are in draft form and will continue to evolve with input from the planning team and North County community—ensuring the conference stays rooted in lived experience and local relevance.
Co-developed through a collaborative design process grounded in regional priorities, family voice, and inclusive goals. Program highlight themes are in draft form and will continue to evolve with input from the planning team and North County community—ensuring the conference stays rooted in lived experience and local relevance.
Conference and SYNC Inclusive Basketball Camp Spotlight Podcast — LISTEN!
Conference and SYNC Inclusive Basketball Camp Spotlight Podcast — LISTEN!
"Inclusion in Action: NBA Veterans Building Bridges On and Off The Court"
Dr. Rebecca Celes Mendiola, CEO of Collective Impact Solutions, is joined by Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent of the Vista Unified School District; Fred Buggs, CEO of Synergy Youth & Communities, Inc.; and NBA veterans Jud Buechler and Olden Polynice to talk about an inclusive basketball camp and conference organized by Collective Impact Solutions, Vista Unified School District, and Synergy Youth and Community Incorporated. The camp, to be held on February 6-7, features NBA veterans and aims to foster belonging and opportunities for students with special needs. The conference which will take place on February 11 at CSUSM, emphasizes parent-led efforts and inclusive education.
🎧Listen Now - Spotify
🎧Listen Now - Apple
Eve Lorentzen (Vista Unified Special Education PTA), Dr. Rebecca Celes Mendiola (Collective Impact Solutions), Dr. Matt Doyle (Vista Unified School District) joined Drew Schlosberg on Spotlight on the Community to share the vision behind the 2026 North County Special Education Conference.
In this powerful episode, the trio discusses how their cross-sector partnership is transforming inclusive practices across North County, strengthening collaboration between families, educators, districts, and community organizations. You’ll also get an exclusive preview of the SYNC Inclusive Basketball Experience, the two-day inclusive kickoff event uniting students of all abilities through athletics and leadership.
Contact us: parentsandpartners2026@gmail.com
Contact us: parentsandpartners2026@gmail.com
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse